LANSING, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) — Union officials representing the nursing staff at University of Michigan Health-Sparrow have been working on an improved contract for months, but leaders say they are not close to a deal.
“The hospital is not making any offers to date that can remain competitive. It will not allow us to ensure that we maintain our level of care or quality of care,” said Jeff Breslin, a registered nurse and president of the Sparrow Hospital Professional Employees Council.
The University of Michigan bought Sparrow last April. Bresil says he was hopeful for positive change.
“They had promised to build new facilities and improve other facilities that we have, which is great, but you also have to take care of the people, and frankly I’m disappointed that this is the direction things are going.” take,” he said.
Breslin said contract negotiations between the nurses union and the hospital began last August. Their contract expired in October and they still haven’t reached a deal. He says nurses want to see more competitive pay, better staffing and an improved health plan.
“It will be interesting to see when and if they make moves and that will determine whether or not we go to a strike,” Breslin said.
The union must give the hospital system 10 days’ notice before striking. This gives the hospital time to limit elective procedures, recruit employees from neighboring health care systems, or provide better contract deals without compromising patient care.
“It’s in their court,” Breslin said.
In a statement, Sparrow said it is confident it can reach an agreement without a strike.
“We are committed to continuing our collaborative conversations with these team members who represent our valued patient care teams and play an important role in healthcare,” hospital officials said.
Elle Meijers
